Safety light

Abstract

A device and method to enhance the visibility and thus the safety of users of open conveyances, such as motorcycle riders, bicyclists, skiers, and the like, is described. The device comprises one or more long, flexible strips containing LEDs or another light source inside of a long, transparent, flexible tube. The tube is worn around the torso that it passes over both shoulders, crosses in the back, and is fastened in the front so that both ends and also the center of tube are secure against the torso. A controller and power source options are provided, in various embodiments, includes ones that use a smart phone and the like, and synchronize multiple users, to cause the illuminated strips to light in a sequence of light, or patterns, wherein these light sequences are visible from all sides of the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Over 4000 motorcycles deaths occur per year in the US. In many cases a driver hits a motorcyclist that he did not see, or did not see soon enough. Motorcyclists and inventors have come up with a variety of ways to improve the visibility of motorcyclists.[0002]In patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,533 Paredes describes an illuminated safety garment. Indeed, the prior art includes a large number of “safety vests” designed to improve the visibility of motorcycle riders. Paredes teaches a complex and cumbersome vest that supports flashing light bulbs on the shoulders. This invention has a first weakness in being a garment, in this case a vest, which must be worn over other clothing. A motorcyclist may not wish to wear a particular article of clothing for a variety of reasons: it may not fit properly; it may interfere with movement; it may not be comfortable; or it may not be compatible with the appearance the biker wishes to project. Paredes' illuminated safety ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is a lighting system that can be easily worn by motorcyclists and other open conveyance users. It is comfortable and does not interfere with the appearance of the biker. It is waterproof and can be used for extended periods of time. It provides bright lighting in the form of patterns and sequences that are visible from all sides. The lighting system includes a flexible tube with multiple color LED stripes that are placed around the torso. Different embodiments of the lighting system have different controllers that allow riders to easily change illumination patterns, control multiple devices, and select from a variety of preset patterns. Additionally, an "app" can control the lighting system using a personal electronic device.

Problems solved by technology

Paredes teaches a complex and cumbersome vest that supports flashing light bulbs on the shoulders.

A motorcyclist may not wish to wear a particular article of clothing for a variety of reasons: it may not fit properly; it may interfere with movement; it may not be comfortable; or it may not be compatible with the appearance the biker wishes to project.

Paredes' illuminated safety garment suffers from a second weakness in that it is not visible from all directions; and a third weakness that its flashing light bulbs are not visually unique on a visually complex roadway; and a fourth weakness that it requires batteries to operate.

This garment suffers from a fixed message that is not sufficient to assure the attention of other motorists.

In addition, this clothing is not legal wear for motorcyclists in all locations.

A first weakness of this device is that it is not visible from all directions.

A second weakness is that, as a vest, it is an article of clothing that must be worn outermost.

A third weakness is that this article is not resistant to abrasion from falls.

As described, this vest does not provide sufficient visibility for daytime use.

Guritz teaches a “small” device that may be worn as “a bracelet, necklace rings, earrings or other relatively small decorative jewelry item,” and is thus not suitable for visibly and uniquely identifying a motorcyclist to another driver in the daytime.

It suffers from a second weakness that it must be wired to the motorcycle.

It suffers a third weakness that it is not particularly visible in the daytime.

Motorcyclists are not the only users of open conveyances who risk injury or death because of low visibility.

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